Today we have all gathered to pay our last respects to a man who gave his all and everything to Dharma, he who gave exceedingly generously to help build Buddhism’s foundations in France, donated so much more than his time and energy to help create this wonderful Sangha that we all take part in, a great supporter of both the 16th and 17th Gyalwa Karmapas, and the father of Karma Trinlay Rinpoche, Jean Louis Massoubre. Led by the Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje himself, along with Lama Jigm Rinpoch, a final puja was done to honor him, his lifetime of achievements, and to burn his name today marking the 49th day since his passing away in his home in Paris surrounded by his family.
Though I never had the pleasure or opportunity to meet the man, from what I have heard about him I have been told that the service today would have greatly pleased him. More than two hundred were in attendance at the Grand Pagoda in Paris, in the presence of the Buddha’s relics, family and friends, honored guests, and many monks and nuns from Le Bost, the grand retinue all gathered together to say goodbye.
A touching ceremony, speeches from several of the immediate family members and honored guests, and the final rituals to mark the end of the amazingly full life that Jean Louis lived. The many that he touched with his wonderful spirit and endless compassionate helping to others. I wish that I could speak more about the man himself, but I invite you instead to read his beautifully written obituary, composed by his son Karma Trinlay Rinpoche (link below). For my part, I was truly touched to hear what others have had to say about him, poetry dedicated to him, and to see the incredible son that he has given to all of us speaks for itself. I am honored to have been asked to come for this event, and I wish to thank everyone for coming out in such numbers, and in such grace, to pay their respects to a man who gave so much to the Dharma. Thank you Jean Louis, for everything you have given us. Today we bid you farewell, with our deepest respect and gratitude.
